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Cape Reinga. Photo by Bernard Spragg.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the northwestern-most tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, which is geographically located on the North Island of New Zealand. It is also located approximately 100 km from the nearest town, Kaitaia.

Reinga is a name that originates from Maori which means Underworld. The Maori people believe that it is a place where the spirits of the dead meet and enter the underworld.

It is also commonly known as the only place where Te Rauparaha as well as his entire tribe first arrived in Aotearoa. The area is popularly known as a sacred place for the Maori people.

Cape Reinga provides a lot of leisure activities which include scenic flights, hiking as well as sand-boarding. It is also a very spectacular place where visitors can watch the meeting of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.

Below are the ten interesting facts about Cape Reinga

1. Cape Reinga is on the Tentative List of UNESCO

Cape Reinga is already on the list of UNESCO as it does wait to obtain its magnificent status as a World Heritage Site. As a World Heritage Site, it will be entitled to obtain its legal protection from the international convention administration, UNESCO.

The area was marked to obtain huge numbers of tourists worldwide. In 2007, the area received approximately 120,000 visitors. During the peak season the area host about 1,300 cars arriving per day.

The number of tourists is also increasing by about 5 percent per year and it鈥檚 expected to rise until the roads to the cape are fully sealed.

2. The Cape is a Meeting of the Seas

Cape Reinga. Photo by Michal Klajban.

The spectacular Cape Reinga is considered as a place of the separation marker between the Pacific Ocean which is from the east and the Tasman Sea from the West.

From the magnificent lighthouse, it is very possible to see where both water meet. When the two water bodies meet, they clash producing unsettled waters which occur off the coast.

The clashing of both bodies is very spectacular to watch as the beautiful waves are created which looks amazing from the vantage point.

3. The Lighthouse is the Most Important Landmark of Te Paki

Cape Reinga lighthouse. Photo by Gadfium.

The beautiful lighthouse is the most significant landmark of the Te Paki since it is located on a steep rocky cape. The lighthouse is also lashed by the two masses with the Pacific Ocean to the East and the Tasman Sea to the west.

The lighthouse was originally located on Motuopao Island but was later relocated to its current location in 1941.

The structure is approximately 10 meters high and 165m above the level and is one of the iconic landmarks of New Zealand.

4. Cape Reinga Water is a Significant Maori Funeral Ceremonies

The name Reinga means 鈥渦nderworld鈥� according to the Maori people and the area is very significant for their culture. There are two beautiful springs on the hillside and the waters from them are essential for their funeral ceremonies.

They are a symbol of cleansing the spirit of death according to their culture and belief. They believe that the dead spirits must drink water from one of the springs.

If the spirits are not able to drink the water, they will return to the land of the living.

5. The Spirits Travel to Cape Reinga on their Journey to the Afterlife

Cape Reinga. Photo by Michal Klajban.

According to the belief of the Maori, Cape Reinga is a place where the spirits of the dead travel on their way to the afterlife.

The Maori people also believe that the spirits climb the roots of the 800-years-old pohutukawa tree as they travel to the underworld.

The spirits depart from the mainland at Cape Reinga and they visit the Three Kings Island to have their last view of the land as they depart.

6. The Spirits Gather at the 鈥淪pirit Bay鈥� Before Departing

Spirit Bay is a very stunning location to visit for the best experience of the Cape Reinga area tour.

The scenic bay is specifically sacred to the Maori people as they believe that it is the location where the spirits congregate before leaving for the afterlife.

The department of conservation campsite also services the area which provides maximum enjoyment at the spirit bay.

7. The Sunrise and Sunset at Cape Reinga are Magical

Cape Reinga Lighthouse at Sunset. Photo by LuizCent.

The sunrise and the beautiful sunset are the most fascinating experiences on Cape Reinga which is a magical spot. It is considered the best place in entire New Zealand to view the sunrise and sunset.

The eye-catching view from the expansive water seems to go on forever. The view is especially magnificent from the lighthouse tower.

8. Sandboard is the Most Adventurous Activity at Cape Reinga

Sandboard is considered the most adventurous activity to do during the visit to Cape Reinga at the Te Paki Sand Dunes. All that the visitors need is boogie boards to experience the magical sled down the sandy hills.

The activity however ends up with very sand feet thus a towel is needed. The participants also need to be very flexible to climb up the dune with the loose sand.

9. Hiking the Te Paki Coastal Track is an Incredible Experience

Hiking on the Te Paki Coastal Track is one of the magical experiences during a tour in Cape Reinga.  

The advantage of this track is that it is not very common to people. Thus the track is less crowded than most of the trails in New Zealand which makes the hiking experience incredible.

During the hiking tour, visitors have a magnificent view of the beautiful green vegetation on the way.

10. April 鈥� May are the Best Months to Visit Cape Reinga

April 鈥� May has been considered the best time to visit Cape Reinga when the bills are just right.  During the months, the weather temperatures are most favorable.

The lowest temperatures are 52F while the highest temperatures are 70F. This marks the best time to enjoy the various activities on Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga is a very exciting place to visit during holidays and vacations and enjoy the spectacular view.

There are various leisure activities in the place including hiking on the Te Paki Coastal Track which is less crowded than other trails in New Zealand. Cape Reinga also contains a magnificent lighthouse which offers a good view of the water mass.